Applications will be due December 11th, 2015

Do you see something that could be improved on the ESF campus to make us more sustainable? Have you always wanted to construct a cool project that would help the environment, but never had the money? Now you can!

The Green Campus Initiative (GCI) and ESF have set up a fund to pay for student driven projects on campus. Applications will be available in September 2014 for the 2014-2015 funding cycle.

Project FAQs

Who can submit?

An individual undergraduate or graduate student, a group of graduates or undergraduates, a student organization, or a class may submit applications for a project. However, a member of the faculty, staff, or an approved student group must act as an advisor.

What is the source and amount of funds?

This year, $3,000 has been allocated from the Student Activities Fee, via GCI, and $3,000 is being provided by ESF. The fund pays for a number of projects each year, totaling no more than the available amount. Proposals for large and small projects are encouraged to apply, as we can provide assistance with sourcing additional funds.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must be constructed on SUNY-ESF property, with priority given for those on the main campus. Projects should embody ideas initiated by students hoping to reduce overall environmental impacts within the Syracuse region. These include projects that promote energy/water conservation, environmental stewardship, foster environmental education, or initiate waste reduction.

The deadline is December 11th, 2015. Applications should be emailed to GCIESF@gmail.com.

What can the money be used for?

The funds may be used for anything from construction costs to purchasing of supplies. They may not be used for stipends or salary, or to fund anything mandated by existing state or university policy. Proposed projects must include a detailed report containing cost, oversight, return on investment*, and benefits to the school.

*Projects do not need to provide an economic savings. For example, planting of endangered plant species native to New York State on the ESF campus with supporting educational signage is an acceptable type of project.

What is the review process like?

The review process takes place in two phases:

Phase I: Proposals for projects are reviewed by a committee made up of students from the Green Campus Initiative.

Phase II: The best proposals will be required to submit a more in-depth submission and give an oral presentation to members of the Campus Climate Change Committee (CCCC). The finalists will then be chosen by members of the CCCC.

Do we need to provide updates once we begin our project?

If the project is accepted and funding is awarded, updates must be provided at the request of the approval board during the project. The project leader must also submit a brief write-up and pictures for the sustainability web page. These will be used to create an archive of all the projects.

Are there examples of previous projects?

See below.

Sample Projects from 2011-2014

On-Campus Mushroom Production: Matt Gretton began producing oyster mushrooms in a greenhouse on campus using waste material as a substrate.

Locally Produced Artistic Bike Rack for Campus: Meghan Holtan partnered with 40-Below and the Syracuse Public Arts Task Force to create an additional bike rack on campus near the Gateway Building. The bike rack will be installed in the fall of 2012.

Apple Orchard and Berry Patch: Justin Heavey, with help from GCI, will plant 16 apple trees with strawberry and raspberry plants at the ESF Lafayette Road Experiment Station in the spring of 2013.

Greenhouse Grow Lights: Noah Pasqua-Godkin modified the aquaponics system in the greenhouse by using grow lights to increase the growing capacity of his basil plants.

Garden Labels: Kate Montgomery set up plant and tree labels in the Lafayette Road Experiment Station ESF Garden.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Composter: Noah Pasqua-Godkin came across this composting method online and wanted to try it out and teach about the benefits of it at two workshops.

Appropriate Technology Build-Day Workshops: TJ Decker, appropriate technologies advocate and researcher came to the SSF reviews with the goal of teaching students about these efficient devices with hands-on experience. The picture shows a completed rocket stovebuild.